The Rocks

The Rocks is the oldest neighbourhood in Sydney. This is where the first settlers lived in the 19th century, just around the corner from Sydney Harbour. Captain Arthur Phillip officially founded the city in 1788, nearly 20 years after the famous Captain James Cook had first discovered these lands. Phillip named this new territory Port Jackson. Houses and shops were soon built using sandstone, which ultimately gave the area its name, The Rocks. Needless to say, the Aboriginal people, known as the Eora, had been living on this land for centuries, long before the settlers arrived. Despite Arthur Phillip’s initial desire to build a close relationship with them, many of the Eora people quickly perished due to diseases brought over from Europe, such as smallpox and chickenpox. That being said, this neighborhood is where you’ll find some of the oldest houses and pubs in the city. These were once used and visited by sailors giving the area a unique charm and standing in stark contrast to the city’s towering skyscrapers, built much later. Wandering through The Rocks is like retracing the city’s origins — taking a step back in time to when the settlers first arrived, and rapidly developed Sydney into the vibrant, multicultural metropolis it is today. While you’re here, you can also visit the Rocks Discovery Museum, dedicated to the city’s history from the pre-colonial period to the present day. There’s no better place to learn more about the founding of, what is now affectionately known as, the “Emerald City.” A lively and highly popular tourist district, The Rocks is one of Sydney’s must-see destinations!